Gary Lee Ware

 Aiken – Mr. Gary Lee Ware, 72, peacefully departed this life on Monday, December 2, 2024 after a lengthy illness, accepting his invitation to celebrate Christmas in Heaven with Jesus. 

Gary was born in Hamilton, OH, son of the late Marion G. and Alfretta Crawford Ware. In his younger days, he enjoyed dirt bike riding and three wheeler racing alongside his son, Corby. Scuba diving and camping with his wife, family, and friends were favorite pastimes. Gary completely restored a 1930 Model A Ford that he called Betsy. As a passionate car enthusiast, he enjoyed owning many other cars throughout his life. He was a member of the Shade Tree A’s. He was often seen cruising the neighborhood in his golf cart with his cherished Yorkie, Bear, engaging in friendly conversations with everyone he met-truly never meeting a stranger. His vibrant spirit and the joyful moments shared with his family and six grandchildren will be profoundly missed. Gary’s professional journey included serving as a firefighter and electrician before retiring as a Technical Instructor at the Savannah River Site. 

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathleen Higgins Ware; his son, Corby (Dee Dee) Ware, Sr., Aiken; his daughter, Holly (Lex) Kirkland, Aiken; grandchildren, Reese Kirkland, Bailey Kirkland, Andruw Kirkland, Audrey Ware, Adalyn Ware, and Corby “CJ” Ware, Jr.; sisters, Mickey Pyles, IN, and Sandie (Larry) Pike, OH; numerous brothers and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Park Ave., with Father Orlando Serrano Ardila officiating. A private interment will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Corby and CJ Ware, Lex and Andruw Kirkland, and Jeremy and Aiden Hembree.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Help of Christians Church, 203 Park Ave. SE, Aiken, SC 29801, the Shriners Children’s Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org), or to St. Judes Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) 

The family will receive friends at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM. 

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC 

Gary’s online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhouseriversfunerlahome.com